Photo Contest
Given the importance of photography as a medium for conveying valuable scientific information as well as the aesthetic appeal of gems, the 2009 GRC will feature an exciting photography contest and exhibition. During the conference, selected photographic entries will be displayed in the poster session arena, and prizes will be awarded to the best images in each category.- Categories: Gemstones, Jewelry, Gem Crystals, Gem Localities, and Photomicrography.
- Format for Submissions: All images must be mounted for display on a black 11 x 14 inch (28 x 35.5 cm) sheet of material such as Gator Board or Sintra Board. The photo can be any size within this board. Each photo must be accompanied by a high resolution electronic file (RGB color, 300 ppi resolution). Slides, negatives, or transparencies will not be accepted. You may enter a maximum of three entries per person, in any category; however, the same photo cannot be entered in more than one category. A maximum of three images per category may be submitted, and a small fee will be charged for each photo. The dates for submitting images will be announced here in the future.
- Judging and Awards: All images will undergo preliminary judging to select those that will actually be displayed at the GRC. Then, First, Second, and Third Place will be awarded for each category. The winning images will be announced during the GRC and published in the conference proceedings.
- Awards: Best of Show (one only) and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded for each category, in both divisions. Winning images will be announced during the GRC and published in the conference proceedings. After the conference, the winning images will be displayed at GIA.
- Eligibility: Entrants need not attend the GRC. The contest will not be open to judges of the competition or to GIA employees and their family members.
- Additional Notes: Original prints will not be returned to photographers, but entrants will be welcome to pick up their photos from the display area during a brief time after the closing of the GRC. However, GIA will retain all winning images for display at its headquarters in Carlsbad, California. GIA will retain limited rights to any images submitted for the competition, including the right to publish the publication of winning images in non-promotional GIA materials. However, GIA will not own the copyright, and cannot use images for resale or lease.
Workshops on photographing gems/minerals, photomicrography, and possibly other topics are being planned in conjunction with the GRC (dates to be determined).